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Eastern Subterranean Termite close-up from a side angle - commercial termite control in Malvern, AR | City Termite & Pest Control

Eastern Subterranean Termite

Actual Size: 10 mm

Characteristics: Creamy-white to dark-brown or blackish body color with straight, beaded antennae

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Wings: Yes

Habitat: These termites live underground, constructing mud tubes to infiltrate homes and structures. It enters through cracks in foundations, gaps around plumbing, or other entry points. They commonly infest wooden structures and can be found in interior walls, basements, crawl spaces, and damp areas.

Habits:

  • Considered the most damaging termite species, causing over $5 billion in damage and treatment costs to properties in the U.S. annually.
  • These termites are constantly foraging for cellulose-containing materials, such as wood, to sustain their colonies.
  • They tend to avoid light and are most active underground or within the wooden structures they infest, making detection challenging.


Eastern Subterranean Termites in Central Arkansas

The Eastern Subterranean Termite is the most widespread and abundant termite species in North America. Given its broad geographical range, it holds the notorious title of the most economically impactful and detrimental termite species in the United States. Feeding on cellulose, the primary structural element of plant cells, they pose a threat to any wooden material within homes and may even damage non-wooden substances in their quest for nourishment. Their elusive nature means they seldom emerge in the open, making infestation detection challenging until substantial damage has already occurred.

Eastern Subterranean Termite Habitat

Eastern Subterranean Termites typically inhabit underground environments where they consume plant matter. Within man-made structures, they thrive in areas such as walls, basements, and crawl spaces, particularly those with high moisture levels. During the spring, these termites engage in swarming behaviors to locate a mate. These winged termites are drawn to light and will often gather around doors and windows. Following a brief period of flight, they shed their wings and form pairs, establishing themselves as the king and queen of a newly established termite colony. A common indication of termite infestation is the presence of mud tubes, which they construct as concealed pathways from the soil to the wooden structures they feed on, both internally and externally in homes.

Eastern Subterranean Termite Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Because termites feed on cellulose, any wooden materials within a household serve as potential nourishment for termites. These pests operate covertly, so visible damage typically indicates several years of infestation. The appearance of swarming termites or their discarded wings serves as a reliable indicator of termite activity within a structure. Winged termites are frequently mistaken for winged ants. The majority of ant species encountered indoors are harmless nuisances, with carpenter ants being the exception, as they are also capable of causing wood damage.

Always contact your local termite exterminators for help with eastern subterranean termite problems.

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